Nicolás Gaitán RSS feedhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/nicolas-gaitan
enMeet Portugals most exciting midfielder who Angel Di Maria wants at Man UnitedBenficas Nico Gaitan is a summer targetfor both Manchester United and Chelsea according to reports, andTom Kundertsays itd be money well spent...Tom Kunderthttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-portugals-most-exciting-midfielder-who-angel-di-maria-wants-man-united
The 60-second story
In summer 2010, Nico Gaitán was bought to replace compatriot Ángel Di María for what at the time was Benfica’s second-most expensive transfer ever (€8.4 million). And although he was an automatic starter from the outset, Gaitán's adjustment to European football was neither swift nor perfect, with inconsistency an obvious flaw along with his lack of tactical awareness.
Nevertheless, in his debut year with the Eagleshe scored nine goals in 48 appearances, and was named breakthrough player of the season at the Primeira Liga's official end-of-season gala. The Argentine followed that up by topping the Champions League assist chart in the next season's group stage.
The latter achievement is telling in that although consistency remained elusive, Gaitán had – and still has–the fortunate habit of producing his best performances in the biggest games.
Why you need to know him
Gaitán’s name is a glaring omission from the long list of raw talents that Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has expertly moulded into polished performers before being sold on for a whopping profit in Lisbon.
Given the brilliance of the Argentine’s displays over a number of seasons, the decision by Europe’s top clubs to overlook him as they've raided the Estádio da Luz year after year is nothing short of gross negligence.
The Eagles are currently three points clear at the top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga despite losing six regulars from last season’s treble-winning team, which is testament to Jesus’s coaching ability. But arguably even more important is the fact that amid the brutal summer cull, the club was able to keep hold of Gaitán.
FEATUREWhy Man City should move for Jesus – before Barcelona or Real Madrid do
Simply put, the Argentine has been the best creative midfielder in Portugal for at least three seasons. All-action heroes João Moutinho, Nemanja Matic and Enzo Pérez were rightly lauded as the most influential members of their respective title-winning teams, but with Benfica's path to goal routinely blocked by 10 opposition players stationed in the defensive third, Gaitán’s ability to conceive and execute defence-piercing passes or conjure magic when all else fails has been invaluable.
Strengths
Tight control, two-footedness, outrageous skill, speed of thought and pinpoint passing are all part of his repertoire. All these attributes were on show in the 2012/13 Benfica-Sporting showdown as Gaitán fashioned one of the truly great goals in this massive fixture's history (below).
The Argentine was originally a winger, is deceptively fast and has indeed spent most of his time deployed on the flanks during his Benfica career, usually on the left.
Although highly productive there, it's when he cuts infield that he makes best use of his sumptuous skills, and Jesus has also shifted him to central midfield on occasion, generally to great effect.
Weaknesses
Gaitán is a potent threat able to prise open the most well-organised of defences, but don’t expect him to do a whole lot of tracking back. Although he has considerably improved in this respect, his value is not in how he exercises his defensive duties. Despite being a mainstay of Portugal’s most popular team for half a decade now, Gaitán likes to maintain a low profile and rarely gives interviews.
So perhaps it goes against his personality, but one sometimes feels that on the pitch he should demand more of the ball from his team-mates, and dominate games more frequently.
They said...
“Gaitán played with intelligence and showed great individual skill,” exclaimed Sir Alex Ferguson after Benfica played Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League group stage.
Boss Jesus declared last summer that his No.10 was unmatchable within his ranks.“Nico is a player of different characteristics, we have no equal,” said the Eagles' chief.“He's a player with a lot of influence to be with us for many years. He is a leader on the pitch and it's good to know that he will be in the game.”
Did you know?
Gaitán was originally bought from Boca Juniors to replace Di Maria at Benfica, and reports in the British press suggest the latter is keen to trigger a transfer for his compatriot a second time, recommending to Louis van Gaal that he purchase his international team-mate for Manchester United.
What happens next?
In November 2014, Gaitán signed an extended and improved contract at Benfica until 2018 but significantly his release clause was lowered to €35 million –€10m less than the previous buyout figure –which has seemingly paved the way for his departure.
As alluded to above, it was something of a surprise that the Eagles were able to hold onto the Argentine last summer as they took desperate measures to cut their debt. It's a given that Gaitán will move on in the close season, and the list of clubs chasing his signature gets longer with each passing day. Just this week the Portuguese press has reported that Chelsea, Manchester United,Valencia, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Zenit Saint Petersburg are all tracking him.
featureMon, 20 Apr 2015 14:40:00 +0000Joe Brewin377923 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comGaitan extends Benfica stay by two yearsNicolas Gaitan has penned a two-year contract extension with Primiera Liga champions Benfica.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/gaitan-extends-benfica-stay
The Argentina wingermoved to Estadio da Luz from Boca Juniors in May 2010 for a reported €8.4 million and has become a key player for the Lisbon giants.
Gaitan's previousdeal was due to expire in 2016, but it was announced on Monday that he has signedfresh terms until June 2018with a release clause of €35 million inserted.
"Benfica and the athlete, Nicolas Gaitan, have extended the employment contract for two more seasons up to June 30, 2018.
"The amount of an express termination clause in the contract of work is €35 million.
"The Argentinainternational, 26, came to Luz on May 3, 2010, originating from Boca Juniors."
The 26-year-old, who was linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool,played his part as Benfica secureda domestic treble by winning thePrimeira Liga, Taca de Portugal and Taca da Liga last season.
news_articleMon, 10 Nov 2014 20:37:33 +0000Anonymous284762 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLamela and Gaitan called up to Argentina squadErik Lamela and Nicolas Gaitan have been called up by injury-hit Argentina for Wednesdays friendly with Germany.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lamela-and-gaitan-called-argentina-squad
New coach Gerardo Martino has drafted the duo into the squad as he prepares to leadArgentinainto a rematch of the World Cup final at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf.
Martino has been hit by the loss of a number of key players, including Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who has pulled out the squad as a precaution due to a hamstring strain.
Maxi Rodriguez is also out with a similar problem, while Rodrigo Palacio (ankle) andEzequiel Garay (thigh) are also unavailable.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezziis also a doubt with a back complaint, leaving Martino with little choice but to bring in reinforcements.
Neither Benfica attacking midfielder Gaitan nor Tottenham forward Lamela featured at the World Cup, with the former now in contention to win his first cap since a 2-1 defeat to Poland back in June 2011.
news_articleMon, 01 Sep 2014 20:28:04 +0000Anonymous243687 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVillas-Boas eyes further signings for ZenitZenit coach Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed he is still in the market for new recruits but refused to confirm their identity.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/villas-boas-eyes-further-signings
The Russian giants brought in Ezequiel Garay on a five-year deal from Benfica last month andthe Argentina defender will link up with his new club after the FIFA World Cup.
Villas-Boas has been linked with another raid on Benfica for wingerNicolas Gaitan, also an Argentina international, ahead of the start of the Premier League season next month.
Fenerbahce's Nigeria strikerEmmanuel Emenike is another name reported to be on Zenit's radar.
Yet although Villas-Boas stated that he is eager to add more new faces, he refused to discuss specific targets.
Speaking at a press conference, the former Chelsea and Tottenham bosssaid: "The positions we are looking for is obviously confidential.
"We don't like to expose it but,we will look to futher strengthen the squad hopefully with one or two more signings."
news_articleMon, 07 Jul 2014 08:20:57 +0000Anonymous208025 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comGaitan will respect Benfica contractNicolas Gaitan insists he will respect his contract at Benfica but has refused to rule out a move away from the club.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/gaitan-will-respect-benfica-contract
The 25-year-old played in Benfica's 2-0 win over Maritimo on Sunday, a win that maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Primeira Liga.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the winger, with David Moyes said to be considering a bid for his services, but Gaitan is only concentrating on his current club.
The Argentinian has two years left on his contract in Lisbon and intends to honour that deal.
"I am at Benfica, I have a contract until 2016, I want to respect that," he said. "If any offer like that which came for (Nemanja) Matic (who moved to Chelsea last week), we'll see.
"For now, (I am) just thinking about playing football, and the rest does not depend on me.
"Benfica has great players, we feel much more confident than when the league began, and we hope to continue in that way."
Gaitan arrived in Portugal from Boca Juniors in May 2010.
news_articleMon, 20 Jan 2014 11:21:38 +0000Anonymous112978 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comIn-demand Gaitan content with life at BenficaBenficas Nicolas Gaitan is happy with life at the club, despite interest from a number of Europes top sides.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/demand-gaitan-content-life-benfica
According to Gaitan's agent, Jose Iribarren, the attacking midfielder is ready to discuss a contract extension at the Estadio de Luz.
Manchester United are among the teams reportedly targeting the Argentina international, butIribarren has confirmed there have been no bids for Gaitan as yet.
"Many European clubs have asked for him, that's true, but I do not have any information in relation to a formal proposal," Iribarren told A Bola.
"I have a very good relationship with the president of Benfica, Luis Filipe Vieira, a very respectable person, so we can talk about a contract extension when he desires.
"And the player is also available to renew. So far we we have not, however, contacted accordingly.
"Anyway, Nico's happy in Lisbon, he feels very good in the club and has no problem in continuing to represent Benfica in the future."
Gaitan has been with the Portuguese outfit since 2010, having previously played for Boca Juniors.
news_articleTue, 24 Dec 2013 13:01:28 +0000Anonymous97266 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comOptimistic Gaitan targets knockout phaseNico Gaitan is optimistic about Benficas chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout phase after a late 3-2 win at Anderlecht.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/optimistic-gaitan-targets-knockout-phase
The Portuguese side made sure that qualification for the next round remains possible with Wednesday's win at Stade Constant Vanden Stock, but they made it difficult for themselves.
Chancel Mbemba gave the hosts the lead in the 18th minute before Nemanja Matic and Gaitan struck either side of half-time to give Benfica the lead.
Massimo Bruno looked to have stolen a point with 14 minutes left and in the process saw Benfica heading out of the competition, but substitute Rodrigo grabbed the winner in stoppage time to take them level on points with second-placed Olympiacos.
"It was very important to win and I think the two teams played to win," the Argentinian said. "We played very well and this is the most important. Luckily Rodrigo gave us the three points.
"We believe we can qualify despite depending on others. Now the only problem is depending on others, but we want to progress."
Matic added that Benfica will do everything to beat Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Da Luz on matchday six, but admitted they will need luck on their side if they are to stand any chance of progression.
"It was another goal," he began. "But the most important thing is that our team won the game. Now we will give everything to win the last game and we will see how the match between Anderlecht and Olympiacos goes.
"With a little luck we could pass go through."
news_articleWed, 27 Nov 2013 23:19:41 +0000Anonymous88546 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com